Leonard W. Quill Sr.

Leonard W. Quill

Leonard W. Quill Sr. passed away at home surrounded by his family on January 13, 2012 due to complications from pneumonia. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware on December 11, 1931. Leonard was the son of the late Timothy J. and Katherine (McCann) Quill. He was also preceded in death by his wife Martina; daughter- in- law, Lisa Quill; and sister, Kay (Quill) Widdoes. Leonard was a student at Sacred Heart Grammar School and a graduate of Archmere Academy where he was an active alumni. Quill served in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller during the Korean War. Leonard received his B.S. and MBA degrees from the University of Delaware in 1958 and 1966, respectively.

Leonard's greatest loves were his family, friends, and of course -golf. Leonard loved to travel and meticulously planned trips for friends and family. One of the highlights for the grandchildren were the annual destination trips he so enjoyed. Golf courses around the world were graced with his presence but not necessarily his swing. A huge fan of the game, Leonard could be seen anywhere from a links course in Ireland to a desert dogleg in Palm Springs, CA. His hole in one at Atlantic City Country Club was a highlight. On a recent jaunt he spoke to Arnold Palmer one of his idols, the others in the trio included John Wayne and Babe Ruth. The spectacular carving of Babe Ruth behind his home in Rehoboth Beach Delaware on the fourth hole is a local attraction as is the 1957 Chevy he cruised around in. The beaches in Rehoboth and golf courses were the site of many happy moments for Leonard. Most recently, he enjoyed his winters in Bonita Springs, Florida and Palm Springs, California.

In addition to Rehoboth Country Club, Quill was member at Wilmington Country Club, Vicmead Hunt Club, Bidermann Golf Course, Kings Creek Country Club, the Wilmington Club, Piedmont Club and Henlopen Acres Beach Club.

Leonard joined Wilmington Trust Company in the management training program and this union was to be one of his most rewarding. He served in numerous areas of the bank and was named Vice President and Commercial Loan Division Manager in 1967. In 1977, Mr. Quill was named Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking Department. He was named President and Chief Operating Officer and elected to the Board of Directors in 1990 and was elected Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 1992. His career spanned some 39 years at the Wilmington Trust Company and personal relationships forged his success. Leonard was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and treated all at the bank with the same easy manner. Many a first car or new business throughout the state was a result of a loan from Leonard Quill and countless customers became lifelong friends.

Leonard was an active community leader who has been involved with Catholic Charities, the United Way of Delaware, Junior Achievement, the Historical Society of Delaware, the Delaware Symphony, Winterthur Corporate Council, the Wilmington Economic Development Corporation, The Port Of Wilmington, The Delaware Bankers Association, Delaware Roundtable and board member of Christiana Care. He was the President of the Wilmington Housing Partnership which promotes the development of affordable housing, and served on the Board of Wilmington 2000, a non-profit corporation funded by the business community. A list of awards he has received includes The Josiah Marvel Award Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the Msgr. Thomas G Reese Award , the Wilmington Senior Center Award, Honorary Doctorate Degree from Goldey-Beacom College, Alumnus of the year Archmere Academy, The University of Delaware Alfred Lerner Award, the Daniel Frawley Award, Citizen of the Year given by The Boy Scouts of America. The National Conference for Community and Justice, Delaware Business Leadership Hall of Fame, Junior Achievement of Delaware.

He is survived by Martina and Michael Scarrone of Rumson, NJ, Teresa and John Pfeifle of Wilmington, DE, Katherine Quill and Christopher DiPersio of Wilmington, DE, Timothy Quill of Los Angeles, CA, Leonard and Denise Quill of Wilmington, DE, and James and Laura Quill of Tiburon, CA; and his treasured friend, Judy Bennett, of Rehoboth Beach and Bonita Springs, FL.

He will be greatly missed by his loving grandchildren Claire, Mary, Kathleen, and Elizabeth Scarrone, Tess and Grace Pfeifle, Timothy Quill, Matthew Drupieski, Leonard, Erin, and Brendan Quill, Andrew, Caroline, Peter, Caitlin and Patrick Quill. Leonard is also survived by brother-in-law, Jack; and sister-in-law, Eileen Hemphill; and many nieces and nephews. Affectionally known as "Big Leo" scores of friends and associates will feel the loss.

The Quill family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Prayus Tailor, Dr. Barry Dennenberg, Dr. Bradley Slease, Dr. Carolyn Ianni , and the staff of 6E Christiana Hospital for their exemplary care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann R.C. Church, Gilpin Ave. & Union St., Wilmington on Thursday, January 19, at 10:30 am. Friends may call at the Raskob Mansion at Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE, on Wednesday evening January 18, from 5 to 8 pm. Interment in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Benedictine Sisters, 14259 Benedictine Ln., Ridgely, MD 21660.

KRIENEN-GRIFFITH FUNERAL HOME
www.Delawarefuneral.com
302-994-9614